Mixed Assembly Advantages

Posted:10:15 AM December 12, 2019writer: ​NextPCB

Mixed assembly usually means the combination way of surface mount technology(SMT) and through-hole technology (THT). As we all know, THT and SMT are the main methods applied in PCB assembly. Each way has its advantages and disadvantages. The manual procedure and automatic procedure both play their benefits during PCB manufacturing.

Nowadays, electronic products are getting smaller and multi-functional, which promotes the development of small size, complicated, high-density of the printed circuit board(PCB). The components on the PCB become more diverse. Most PCBs carry the SMD components and through-hole components on one board, which requires the integration of SMT and THT. These two methods will excel in their own areas in the fabrication, thus improving the production efficiency and reducing production costs. It is extraordinarily significant to apply the two techniques reasonably.

The differences between through-hole technology and surface mount technology

In general, THT is the process that components are soldered onto a bare board by using lead wires that go through drilled holes. Wave soldering and hand soldering are common ways. Hand soldering always is applied when only a small quantity of THT components is required.

In SMT, there is no need to drill holes on the board to create the connection between the components and the tracks on the board. The components are mounted on the board directly. SMT features an automatic assembly process during the whole fabrication.

The THT assembly process is much more suitable for high-reliable PCBs because the connection is much stronger between the components and the boards. It is also easier to place the components and test. SMT allows much smaller and more quantity components mounted on both sides of the board, which is more prevalent in high-density, high performance, high precision, and small size PCB applications. And SMT process offers less production time, less weight, and less cost than THT.

Mixed assembly ways in PCB manufacturing

PCB assembly process consists of several manual and automated steps. PCB manufacturers usually provide both manual and automated options for each step in the fabrication process. Due to the various requirements from customers, there are several different situations in the application of mixed assembly technologies during PCBA manufacturing:

1. Single-side/one-side mixed assembly

2. One-side THT & one-side SMT assembly

3. Double-side mixed assembly

PCB assembly is a high-technical and complicated process, and these three types of mixed assembly situations have different sequence arrangements and steps when applying SMT and THT at the same time. Therefore, to ensure product performance and quality, numerous elements should be taken into consideration before determining the ways of PCB assembly.

NextPCB' s mixed PCB assembly technology service is designed for customers in various industries, which can meet the different demands for SMT components and THT components. Our experienced experts will offer customers with reliable suggestions according to the design files and specific requirements.

NextPCB owns independent automated mixed assembly lines in PCB manufacturing, and this makes it possible to provide complete PCB prototype and PCB assembly within short lead time. No more cost, no more delays, high reliable in quality and performance,NextPCB is precisely the best PCB assembly manufacturer you are looking for!